KAGOSHIMA, Japan – Olive oil crafted in Japan’s Kagoshima prefecture is capturing the attention of luxury hotels, marking a sweet success for a local revitalization project that began just over a decade ago.
Kagoshima prefecture in Japan experiences year-round rain, creating ideal conditions for cultivating sweet olives.
August 23, 2025 10:23 JST
The initiative to cultivate olives in Kagoshima was launched with the goal of breathing new life into the region. These efforts are now yielding critically important results, with the locally produced olive oil gaining traction among high-end accommodations.
Did you know?-Kagoshima’s olives are a relatively new crop, with commercial cultivation beginning in 2013. The prefecture aims to become a major olive oil producer.
Kagoshima’s climate, characterized by ample rainfall throughout the year, provides a nurturing environment for growing sweet olives. This natural advantage has been pivotal in the project’s development and the eventual recognition of its premium olive oil.
Pro tip:-Sweet olives contain less oleuropein, a compound that can cause bitterness, resulting in a milder, sweeter-tasting oil.
Reader question:-Can Kagoshima olive oil be exported? Yes,the oil is available for purchase online and through select retailers,with export opportunities expanding.
